SMD are pleased to announce the award of a £2m contract from the Marine Institute of Ireland for the supply of a deepwater Quasar ROV, Compact Tether Management System and associated handling equipment.

The multi-purpose medium size Quasar WROV will be primarily deployed for scientific purposes but will also be configured to permit naval/coastguard, and commercial operation. An elaborate array of survey equipment will be fitted to the ROV to greatly increase deep water research capability as well as providing a vital role in salvage and casualty investigation.

SMD Sales Manager, Mark Collins, commented, "We are very pleased to be awarded this contract. This multifunctional, flexible system will be a key tool in the Marine Institute's armoury to achieve their goals of a thriving maritime economy in harmony with the ecosystem".

The system will be primary operated from the Marine Institute vessel RV Celtic Explorer but it has been specially designed with the ability to mobilise on other vessels, including the Irish Lights vessel Granuaile and possible future naval vessels, at short notice,

SMD is one of the world's leading companies for the supply of ROVs, trenching systems, Curvetech™ components and special projects. They have a worldwide customer base operating in markets in oil and gas, telecoms, mining, salvage, military and scientific research.

The Marine Institute is the lead implementing agency for Sea Change - a Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007- 2013, which presents a national agenda, comprising science, research, innovation and management, aimed at developing and transforming the Irish maritime economy.